Hiking the Percurso dos 7 Vales suspensos

Published on July 31, 2024 at 4:00 pm

There's nothing better than getting some fresh air into your lungs by going on a little hike! And just in time, we've got a great walk for you in the Algarve region. It's a great opportunity to take in some superb scenery while (easily) burning off a few extra calories from last night's meal 😉 The route we're proposing is called "Percurso dos 7 Vales suspensos", which translates into French as "Itinéraire des 7 Vallées suspendues" (Itinerary of the 7 Suspended Valleys). The name alone makes you dream, doesn't it? 🤩

This hike will take you 11.5km along the Portuguese coast (out and back), between Praia do Vale de Centeanes (next to the village of Carvoeiro) and Praia de Marinha. Where you start or finish is up to you! Whichever you choose, you're sure to be amazed on this beautiful day. On the programme: little hidden coves, secret caves, superb orange cliffs and a sea of 1,000 shades of blue...

Corredoura beach, viewpoint on the Seven Suspended Valleys trail (Sete Vales Suspensos)

Summary

"Percurso dos 7 Vales suspensos, kezako?
What is the route of the 7 Valleys Hanging Route?
Where to swim in the area?
Where to sleep next to the hiking trail?

"Percurso dos 7 Vales suspensos, kezako?

The "Percurso dos 7 Vales suspensos" is a superb walk not to be missed on a trip to Portugal's Algarve. Throughout the day, it will fill your eyes with magnificent panoramas of the Algarve coastline.

In French, it's called "Le parcours des 7 Vallées suspendues". Why such a name? We'll explain! Millions of years ago, rivers dug into the ground without reaching sea level. This created hollows between the upper level of the cliffs (called "valleys") and that of the sea: these natural formations are called "hanging valleys". And guess what? Along the way, you'll cross 7 of these famous hanging valleys... Hence the name "Parcours des 7 Vallées suspendues".

Percurso dos 7 Vales suspensos, Algarve, Portugal

What is the route of the 7 Valleys Hanging Route?

This walk is 10.5 km long. As it is not a loop, you will have to turn back at the furthest point. There are also no rules about where you start and finish. It's up to you to choose where you want to start. If you don't have the time (or the strength) to do the whole thing, you can do just part of it. Everyone at their own pace! No stress 🙂

The 2 furthest points on the route are Praia do Vale de Centeanes (next to the village of Carvoeiro) and Praia da Marinha, famous for its double natural arch. Allow between 5 and 6 hours' walk to reach the 2 points, so you can devote a whole day to this activity. Parking is available at both locations.

🥾 Practical information

Walking time: 5 to 6 hours

Distance: 11.5 km round trip

Difficulty: Easy, well-marked trail

Price : Free

Along the way, you'll pass some of the Algarve's must-see spots. Praia da Marinha is a beach not to be missed under any circumstances. The views are truly breathtaking. Below the cliffs, you can see little coves, rocks sculpted by the force of nature and a sea of incredible azure blue! The 2nd emblematic spot is the famous Benagil grotto. You won't be able to get inside on the walk (it can only be reached by sea), but you can still see the beach from the large gaping hole above. To discover it in more detail, you'll need to plan a boat trip for another day. Finally, you'll miss the pretty red-and-white Alfanzina lighthouse.

View of Praia da Rocha beach, Algarve, Portugal

Believe us, this walk is a compendium of some of the Algarve's most beautiful coastal scenery. So don't miss out! If you don't have a whole day to devote to it, you can reach the main points of interest by car, and save time in the process 😉

📝A few useful reminders before setting off on a hike

Make sure you wear the right shoes; hiking in flip-flops or sandals is not a good idea at all.
It can get hot very quickly on the way (especially in the middle of the day) and there is very little (if any) shade. Wear sun cream, a hat and sunglasses to protect yourself. Also take water and at least a few cereal bars with you. Be aware that there are no refreshment points (restaurants, snack bars, etc.) on the trail.
Don't get too close to the edge of the cliffs, as landslides are common and accidents can happen very quickly. So don't take any risks to get an original selfie, it would be a real shame... 😉 Stick to the marked paths and you'll be fine!

Where to swim in the area?

Throughout the day, you'll find plenty of beautiful beaches to cool off on. So don't forget to bring your swimming costume and towel. Here is a non-exhaustive list of beaches not to be missed: Praia de Marinha, Praia De Vale Centianos, Praia do Carvalho, Praia de Benagil.

But be careful! It is not advisable to bathe inside the Benagil cave or hope to reach it by swimming. Strong sea currents can occur in the vicinity of the cave. What's more, the many boats entering and leaving the cave may not see you and collide with you. Do not take any risks.